Meet Doris Mold: The person behind the beloved Moo Booth

By Simon Yang, agricultural communication and marketing, BS '26 

What is the Moo Booth and who is behind it? 

The person behind the booth, Doris Mold, CEO of Annie’s Project and President of Sunrise Agricultural Associates, is a highly accomplished CFANS alumna and has been a voice in the agriculture industry, advocating for women in farming, mentoring future agricultural leaders, and staying curious about agriculture. 

The Moo Booth is a Minnesota State Fair hit that brings together various attendees each year to learn about cattle and workers. “The Moo Booth is a place where Minnesota State Fair visitors can learn about the farm-to-table process with cattle and the people who work with cattle,” Mold said. The booth dives into how cattle are cared for, their biology, products they provide, and the importance of cattle producers, and educating the public. “What makes the booth special is everyone and everything involved, from the people to the animals,” Mold said, as the booth provides a fun, engaging experience that maintains a family atmosphere. Many attendees can also connect with their agricultural roots and learn the significance that agriculture has on the world.

Origins and passions

Mold’s passion for cows began as early as she could remember, growing up on a dairy farm and being involved in 4-H. “I loved tagging with my dad and brother at an early age, helping with calves as I got older,” Mold said. She states that her love and passion for cows expanded as she became an “active 4-H’er,” recalling her first calf, Colleen, a Holstein, followed by many more calves. Upon establishing the Moo Booth, Mold has explored various opportunities to learn more about cows, and her interest continues to grow, including making trips to the World Dairy Expo and the National Dairy Conference. “As I grew older and learned more about cows, my interest grew,” she said.

On a broader topic of agriculture, Mold is a leader, mentor, and advocate, advocating for women in agriculture. She co-founded the Women's Agricultural Leadership Conference as a CFANS alum; Mold also played an important role in establishing the Gopher Dairy Club alongside many students. She’s also passionate about preparing future agricultural leaders, and teaches Agri-Business Management for MAST International.

State Fair traditions and spots 

Mold often doesn’t have much time to explore the Fair, but still tries to catch a bite along the way. “If I am on my way to somewhere, I will catch something, such as milk from the Gopher Dairy Club, Dairy Goodness Bar shakes, a corn dog, some cheese curds and mini donuts to share,” she said. “We also have some crew traditions where we send someone out to pick up a bucket of hand-cut French fries or a bucket of Sweet Martha’s for staff and volunteers to share,” Mold added. 

Getting ready to step into the State Fair 

As the State Fair inches closer each day, fairgoers prepare themselves for a wonderful and fun experience. Mold and her crew prepare to be part of that fun by bringing to life an educational and engaging experience all about cattle. Whether this is your first time at the fair or not, be sure to step into the Moo Booth for some fun.

Check out this MplsStPaul article from last year featuring Doris Mold: Agrilympics: Inside the State Fair’s 25-Year-Old Celebrity-Fueled Competition